Binar Space Program: Third space mission to launch new iteration of mini satellites from Perth university

WA’s homegrown space fleet will be bolstered by a university-based program with three new satellites planned to be launched this year.

The Binar space program designs, develops, tests, builds and operates small satellites at Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre. It aims to advance understanding of the solar system, reduce barriers to working in space and help Australia become a space industry leader.

Four Binar satellites, known as CubeSats, have been launched since 2021 and a further three satellites are expected to approach orbit later this year, with $2.5 million in support from State Government funding. The recently announced funds will be delivered to the university over the next four years.

Curtin University vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne said the State Government’s support was critical to continue advancing WA’s space research.

“This ongoing investment will help the Binar space program take its next giant leap and expand its scope to create even more opportunities for Western Australia,” Professor Hayne said.

“It will help inspire and equip students with valuable STEM skills from primary to postgraduate levels, while strengthening our research capability and growing our partnerships with WA space companies helping to shape the future of the industry.”

All Binar CubeSats measure 11.5 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, weigh approximately 1.33 kg and are made of aluminium. Internal circuit boards are made of copper and a type of fiberglass called FR4.

Each iteration of Binar builds on the legacy of the previous satellite.

Binar-1 was the first spacecraft bus designed and built entirely in Western Australia. It spent more than a year in space before succumbing to atmospheric drift. In the second space mission, the same mini-satellites Binar-2, 3 and 4 were deployed to the International Space Station in 2024.

The third space mission will begin later this year, and Binar-5, 6 and 7 will be built and delivered in a record time of 18 months.

The main goal of Binar-5 is to test technologies and science experiments designed and built by eight high schools developed through the BinarX program.

Binar-6 will test new technologies developed by engineers and scientists at Curtin University, while Binar-7 will test a multispectral imaging system designed to monitor and assess the flammability of Western Australian forests.

The program offers a rare opportunity to train high school students, undergraduates, graduates, and graduate students in satellite design, manufacturing, and operation.

Curtin PhD student Alex Conduit worked in the program as a mechatronics engineering undergraduate and continued with the program as a master’s candidate.

“As a high school student interested in STEM, I would look at the glow-in-the-dark stars on my bedroom ceiling and wonder how I could one day help take humanity into space,” the 27-year-old said.

“From working on the Binar space program as an undergraduate and now doing my PhD, I have to pinch myself that I am lucky enough to work with such a bright and talented team here building WA’s space industry.”

The third mission will carry eight experiments designed by Western Australian high school students, as well as test advanced technologies for future deep space missions and demonstrate new Earth observation and navigation systems.

Binar space program manager Fergus Downey said it was important to continue developing WA’s space industry.

“Thanks to the State Government’s support, we will continue to train the next generation of the space workforce here in WA, expand our research capabilities to develop more advanced engineering systems for small satellites and open our doors to industry to diversify their businesses and expand the State’s space industry,” Dr Downey said.

“Previous missions have taught us that space is brutal, and we have learned many valuable lessons about how to test and prepare our satellites for orbit, as well as how to train the next generation of satellite engineers to design systems to operate in these environments.

“Our future missions will enable us to identify how we can support Western Australian industry to compete on the global stage and expand our research focus to bushfire forecasting using satellite data.”

Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said he was hopeful continued investment in the local space industry would future-proof WA’s economy.

“Western Australia has the geography, expertise and ambition to be a major player in the space sector and we are ensuring the right settings are in place to support long-term growth,” he said.